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End Of 2025 Recap: Lessons Learned, Progress Made, And Prepping For New Year

2025 was quite the year over here! I’m not sure about you but it feels like it was just the middle of summer yesterday! Where did the second half of the year go?? It’s been a fun, exciting, and stressful year. Between my struggle with blogging and some big changes, it’s been a bit of a ride. I want to share all the details with you so let’s jump into the 2025 recap! 

Disclaimer: Links included in this post might be affiliate links. If you purchase a product or service with the links that I provide I may receive a small commission. There is no additional charge to you! Thank you for supporting my blog!

Lessons learned in 2025

There are always so many lessons learned over the year. Something new challenges you and you walk away a little bit wiser! Last year was my 30th birthday, so I turned 31 this year. Slightly wiser than the last haha. Here are some lessons I learned in 2025: 

1- People evolve and change 

Another year in my 30’s has shown me that people evolve and change, and sometimes that’s good, but sometimes that’s bad. When people change, you don’t need to change with them. I’ve discovered that friendships shift and sometimes even end because someone else has changed their mind or changed who they are. As painful as it can be, you can’t force people to fit into your life. So when people change, you have to accept it.

2- Life really does have seasons

Holy moly, have I gone through a couple seasons lately! I’ve always heard that expression but it’s something I’ve noticed and come to terms with this past year. In a way, realizing that life has seasons is freeing. It means that when you are going through struggles or fall off your routines, it’s just a season of life, nothing permanent.

3- Your real friends are the ones who show up

I have quite a few people I would consider my friends. However, 2025 has been an eye-opening year for friendships. Your REAL friends are the people who will show up for you even when it’s inconvenient, even when you don’t ask, and even when you aren’t your best. Major life events show peoples true colors and it has been very interesting to see who has shown up for me during my pregnancy. I know you can’t expect 100% from everyone at all times, but the real ones at least try.

4- It’s okay to ask for help

I typically like to do things on my own. However, I’m realizing that it’s not always practical. When you have a network of people around you willing to help, just ask! It doesn’t make you weak. Asking for help is a strength! Big or small, ask for help. I think you’ll be surprised by how many people are willing to offer a helping hand.

5- Go with the flow

The Virgo in me has always had a hard time going with the flow. Being pregnant has forced me to go with the flow in so many ways. There are just things you cannot control! It’s been a positive thing overall and I think it’s helped with my anxiety as well. While I will always want to have control over situations, going with the flow helps you in so many ways!

6- Cleaning really never ends, so just do it often 

I’ve started doing the “if you see it, do it” method. You don’t need to have a Sunday reset or spend a whole day deep cleaning. You can if you want! But you can also just spend 10 minutes a day doing some small tasks that help you maintain your space all the time. I don’t like cleaning, but I REALLY don’t like spending half my Sunday cleaning.

7- Try, try, and try again 

2025 has been the year of trying. Trying to grow my blog, trying to make extra money, trying to find my way in life… There have been a lot of mistakes and missteps. Something I am really proud of is my resilience. There is no shame in trying and then trying some more. Truly, no one gets it right the first time around. Or even the second or third. Keep trying always, and don’t worry about what people think around you. The truth is, most people don’t even notice you trying and “failing.” They are too busy trying something themselves. Don’t give up!

Exciting things from 2025

It’s been so much fun looking back at the highlights of 2025. While there have been lots of fun times, I did feel like there were fewer exciting things to share this year… I had to remind myself that not every year is going to be filled with life-changing events! It’s okay to not “top” the year before. Plus, how crazy is it to overlook good memories because you don’t think there were enough?! Anyway, I had so much fun this year and I want to share some of the best bits. 

I started a “Palentine’s Day” tradition (unintentionally)

It was a take of “Gal-entine’s” Day but instead of just girls, we included all of our friends! I told some co-workers about it and next thing you know we had one at work too. People are already talking about Palentine’s Day for next year.

Vacation to Mexico 

We had the best time in Mexico this year! We stayed in Cancun and enjoyed a very relaxing time. The resort was fabulous (Hotel Catalonia Grand Costa Mujeres).

Started a Substack

I decided to try something new (see above for my chat on trying!!). I started a Substack and ended my Patreon. Substack is more like a blog or newsletter platform mixed with social media. It’s a lot of fun and has been a place for my book club this year. While it has been slow going, I am going to keep it going in 2025. I think it will be a great place for more essay-style posts and personal posts. So, if that is interesting to you, check me out over on Substack!

Made a little more money from the blog than last year

I made about $100 more than last year, so that’s a win! It’s been an overall tough year to make money from the blog due to AI and diminishing traffic. It is what it is, but I’m glad I saw a little bit of progress.

Got outside more

It was the year of doing some outdoor things! We rode our bikes, got paddle boards, and went for walks. I loved every minute of it!

Found out we are expecting!! 

The biggest news of 2025 is finding out I am pregnant! Something we have been wanting for quite a while. I am SO excited for this new chapter and becoming a mom.

Top posts on Life By Deanna:

Progress or more like, lack of progress

Okay, so this year has been one of the toughest years with my blog. Coming from 2024 where I was seeing some of my biggest progress so far, I really had high hopes for 2025. 

It was a rollercoaster ride all year and then when AI really became popular, it was like my blog was hit by a train. I know I’m not alone here… It’s the talk in all of the blogging groups and communities. However, I really didn’t expect how much of an impact it would make. 

Here are my current stats for the blog and other platforms: 

  • Blog monthly page views: ~8000-9000
  • Email subscribers: 1000
  • Instagram followers: 1727
  • Threads followers: 1555
  • Substack subscribers: 58
  • Facebook followers: 44

While things could be worse for the blog, it’s been hard to find the motivation to keep going. I love writing content and having this website so I’ll definitely keep going but not seeing progress has been tough! 

I’m having to rethink my strategy. Pinterest is something I want to dedicate more time to now that Google is changing. However, my Pinterest has also taken a hit lately. 

Another small issue this year was my email list. Up until recently, it’s been free for me to have my email list. I keep my list under 1000 subscribers and it was never a problem. A few months ago, MailerLite decided to change things and made their email packages paid. So, I now have to pay for my email list (which thankfully I have been making enough with the blog to pay for it). It’s kind of inevitable in a way but I was hoping to hold off for a bit longer! 

My favourite things of 2025

I love sharing my favs with my email list on a monthly basis so let’s go over some of my TOP favs for this year!

My favourite TV shows and movies:

  • Teen Wolf – I watched this series for the first time and I was obsessed!!
  • The Vampire Diaries – I’m still not done the series but I started it during 2025. I’m on season 5 and so far I love it. Damon has my heart.
  • Tulsa King – Not something I’d usually watch but has been watching with my husband. I really like it! The perfect mix of action, drama, and some lightness. I love the relationships in this show.
  • Young Sheldon – I loved The Big Bang Theory so I figured it was time to watch Young Sheldon. Only on season one but it’s such a fun show.
  • The Electric State – I thought this was a cute but also kinda realistic movie! The robots were fun.
  • Mission Impossible: The Final Reckoning – Tom Cruise always puts out a good movie and this was no different. So sad the Mission Impossible movies are over!!
  • Nonnas – Ahhh, this was so cute and stole my heart.

My favourite purchases:

  • Walking pad – not only was it affordable but it helped me get so many more steps in!
  • Desk pad – I’ve been trying to bring some life into my spaces this year and this desk pad made my computer area so cozy and cute
  • Candle warmer – I never knew I needed this but now that I have it, it’s one of my favourite things!
  • Premier protein powder – Getting more protein was a goal of mine this year and while I have been slacking lately, I had to share this protein powder. It tastes great and is low in sugar. It’s my favourite one of all time.
  • Burt’s Bee’s Mama Belly Cream – Since becoming pregnant, my eyes have been opened to all the mom products. I like Burt’s Bee’s anything to be honest, so not surprised I love the belly cream. It’s been perfect for my itchy stomach!
  • This cozy vest – I’m all about a vest in the fall and winter months. I grabbed this vest in two colours, and honestly, I might get more!!

My top books read:

My favourite recipes:

What I’m prepping for in 2026

Maternity leave: With baby coming in April 2026, I am getting ready for mat leave! There are a few things I need to do before that and honestly, so many things I need to do before baby comes. I’m looking forward to the time away from work (my 9-5 job). I know it won’t be a vacation but it will sure be nice to take 18 months off work!

Changing my strategy for 2026: As mentioned, things have changed on the internet with AI. I will be shifting my strategy to *hopefully* get some of my traffic back in 2026. I think that is going to look like more of a push on Pinterest. I am also trying to grow on Facebook which is something I’ve never cared about before. However, I’ve noticed Facebook gives me more traffic than Instagram does and I don’t even post on there! SO, we are going to give Facebook a try.

A digital product: I have been playing around with a digital product over the last couple of months. It’s something I’ve wanted to do for a long time but decided 2026 is the year to do it! Let’s just say, if you enjoyed my Life Admin Day blog post, you will like this digital product! Keep your eyes peeled.

Hopes for the upcoming year: a list

I hope 2026 is full of new opportunities.

I hope that I find myself as a new mother and can enjoy that new season of my life.

I hope that it’s a year of creativity and hobbies.

I hope that everyone reading this finds something they love to do whether that’s a job, a hobby, or a pastime. 

I hope that you have amazing people around you who show up for you no matter what.

I hope 2026 is full of love.

I hope 2026 will change your life.

I hope that I can get my blog back on track.

I hope that my dreams become a little bit closer to reality.

I hope that 2026 is overflowing with good vibes.

I hope that everyone is healthy and happy.

2025 End of year recap. Recapping life, blogging, and goals.
Hopes for 2026

A big thank you to all my readers. You guys keep me and this blog going. I appreciate everyone who keeps coming back! If you are new here, welcome :) I hope you stick around for another year of blog posts that are *hopefully* helpful and inspiring to your personal growth journey. 

Have a wonderful new year and best of luck in 2026!!

Until next year,

Deanna

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